Friday, September 18, 2015

The Cat Sitter's Nine Lives - Blaize & John Clement [Book Recommendation]



Book obtained from: Library “new books” shelf, large print edition

Description: The back cover tells us that Dixie Hemingway, the protagonist, witnesses a head-on collision, and she pulls one of the drivers from the car just before it explodes. She then proceeds to a local bookstore, where she meets the proprietor and his cat. The next day, Dixie learns the driver claims he is her husband, and the store proprietor and his cat have disappeared.

Plot: The book is a light, fun read and moves quickly. The storyline is sufficiently complicated to make for an interesting read. It was a who-done-it and a how-done-it. I had a vague inkling of the “who”, no clue as to the “how”. The end included a high-tension, scary predicament and a satisfying twist.

Characterization: The characters are very well-developed and nuanced. I wanted Dixie to succeed, and had concerns on how she would pull it off.

Setting: One of the Florida Key islands. The descriptions were very good, I was able to picture every scene without it being over-described.

Other: This book had several interesting minor characters.

Overall: a fun book. I would read more by this author.

Grade: A-

Friday, September 4, 2015

Death & the Redheaded Woman - Loretta Ross [Book Recommendation]


Book obtained from: Library “new books” shelf

Description: The back cover tells us that Wren Morgan, the protagonist, is an auctioneer. While cataloging the contents of an old house for auction, she finds the body of a man suspected in a recent jewel heist. She meets a private eye and part-time bounty hunter, Death Morgan [interesting use of the word Death], who is working to find the stolen jewels and a murderer. Together they work to solve two mysteries.

Plot: The book is a light, fun read and moves quickly. Quite a bit of humor. The story line is sufficiently complicated to make for an interesting read. It wasn't so much a who-done-it, more of a how-done-it. I did NOT guess the “how”. The end included a high-tension, scary predicament and a satisfying twist.

Characterization: The characters are very well-developed and nuanced. I wanted Wren and Death to succeed, and had concerns on how they would pull it off.

Setting: Location is not specifically stated in this book, at least not that I remember. There are mentions of the Civil War and a river. The author is from Missouri and I assume this book is set there. The descriptions were very good, I was able to picture every scene without it being over-described.

Other: This book has a nice romantic sub-plot. There were a few places where I had to read the sentences a few times to figure out who said what [not enough dialogue tags and/or action beats].

Overall: a fun book. I would read more by this author.

Grade: A-